Here’s how to be water conscious

With parts of South Africa still experiencing severe drought, here’s how to be water conscious in your garden

If you’ve been reading or listening to the news lately you’d be faced with headlines like these: Concerns as Cape Town’s dam levels continue to drop, will Cape Town be the first city to run out of water? So, the question is, how do you keep your garden looking lush in the midst of a water shortage? With our eight water-wise gardening tips, we have the solution.

1. Add organic matter to your soil

Organic matter, in the form of compost, chopped up leaves or composted manure will improve the texture and water-holding capacity of your soil.

2. Group plants according to their water needs

Water-wise plants such as succulents need minimal watering. By grouping plants according to how much water they need, you can avoid wasting water on plants that don’t need it. Use Lasher’s Sprayer Pistol with adjustable nozzle to target groups of plants at once.

3. Change your lawn

Buffalo grass or faux lawns are the best idea for gardens in a water scarce climate. If you decide to stick with your original grass, scale down on the lawn size and cut it at a higher level than usual which will shade the roots and prevent evaporation. Try Lasher’s Grass Slasher, which is ideal for this type of work.

5. Use grey water

Soapy water that has been used in the home is suitable for watering plants, provided they have no bleach or strong disinfectants in them.

6. Use mulch between plants

Mulch can be used in order to keep the soil cool and reduce evaporation, meaning you use less water to water your plants. It also reduces run-off and erosion, suppresses weed growth, enriches the soil and prevents compacting of the soil.

7. Water plant roots

Water around the stem base and roots of plants so that it is absorbed directly into the soil and roots. The shade of the foliage also helps to prevent evaporation and watering the plant base directly means weeds will not be watered as well. Try Lasher’s 5-litre pressure sprayer with directed nozzle to easily water the roots of plants.

8. Water plants early in the day

The best time of day to water your garden is in the morning as the risk of evaporation is lower and your plants have a higher chance of absorbing all the water you use to water them. Use Lasher’s Water Timer hosepipe attachment to set a time in the morning for your plants to be watered.